New details have emerged for the upcoming movie adaptation of the popular series Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (The Apothecary Diaries). The film, officially titled Gekijōban Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Bōhi no Hihō, is set to release on December 11, 2026. Alongside the announcement, a new teaser visual, a trailer, and character visuals have been unveiled, as well as the cast for a mysterious new character.
Background and Release
The Kusuriya no Hitorigoto series, which has sold over 45 million copies worldwide, follows the story of Maomao, a young girl who works as a poison taster in the imperial palace and solves various mysteries. After the second season of the TV anime concluded in July 2025, production for both a third season and a movie was announced. The third season is scheduled to air in October 2026 as a split two-cour series, while the movie will hit theaters in December of the same year.
Movie Subtitle and Story
The movie’s subtitle, Bōhi no Hihō (The Secret Treasure of the Deceased Consort), hints at the central mystery. The story follows Maomao and Jinshi as they travel to the southern land of Minanshu, a bustling water city, to return the body of a consort who died five years ago. There, they encounter water pirates and rumors of hidden treasure, leading to a complex web of secrets. The film features an original story by series creator Natsu Hyuuga, described as the biggest mystery in the series’ history, intertwining the secrets of the deceased consort’s body with a hidden treasure.
New Trailer and Teaser Visual
A new trailer has been released, showcasing the journey and the dangers that await. The teaser visual depicts Maomao, Jinshi, and a mysterious boy named Mu Qing in a cave, with Maomao holding a torch illuminating glittering treasure. In the background, a burning shore and numerous fire arrows create a tense atmosphere. The tagline reads: “That mystery leads to hidden treasure.”
Teaser visual for ‘Gekijōban Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Bōhi no Hihō’
Cast Announcement: Ise Mariya as Mu Qing
The key character Mu Qing, a boy from the Mi clan that rules Minanshu, will be voiced by Ise Mariya. Ise is known for her roles as Killua Zoldyck in Hunter × Hunter, Serie in Sōsō no Frieren, and Himeno in Chainsaw Man. In the trailer, Mu Qing is seen pleading, “Please help me,” hinting at a deeper mystery surrounding his character and his connection to Maomao and Jinshi.
Ise Mariya as Mu Qing
New Character Visuals for Maomao and Jinshi
New character visuals for Maomao and Jinshi in their movie costumes have also been released. Maomao is shown in her signature green outfit, arms crossed, with a sharp, intelligent gaze. Jinshi is dressed in a noble blue traveling attire, maintaining his elegant appearance.
Maomao: Movie key visual
Jinshi: Movie key visual
Staff and Production
The movie is directed by Naganuma Norihiro, with script by Kakiwa Yūko. Character design and chief animation direction are handled by Nakatani Yukiko. Music is composed by Kōsaki Satoru, Kevin Penkin, and Hasunuma Arisa. Animation production is by TOHO animation STUDIO, with distribution by Tōhō.
Story Summary
An order from the Emperor sends Jinshi on a mission: to fulfill the last wish of a consort who died five years ago in the palace—to return to her homeland. When Maomao and Jinshi examine her body, they find it preserved as if she were still alive. To uncover the mystery, they travel to Minanshu, a vibrant water city ruled by the Mi clan. There, Maomao is excited by new medicines and plants, but the region is troubled by water pirates searching for a hidden treasure left by the former leader. Jinshi’s premonition of trouble proves correct when a major incident occurs on the day of the consort’s funeral, leading to an unexpected turn of events.
The movie Gekijōban Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Bōhi no Hihō opens in Japanese theaters on December 11, 2026.
